If you're struggling with the cost of living right now (reasonable), this is your PSA to...
Google universities/colleges near you.
If you can't get out to more than one, look up which one has the highest tuition.
Look-up when the graduation date is
Drive neighborhoods near the university the week before graduation
So much stuff gets left out on the curb. Wealthy college students tend to prioritize convenience over money, so instead of carefully reselling their perfectly good stuff, they frequently give it away or put it out with the trash because that's easier than moving, reselling, or donating. Take advantage of this.
I furnished pretty much my entire apartment from college giveaways and yardsales.
What I got for free:
Mattress and box springs
2 10 ft area rugs
The massive 9-drawer chest (that has a label on the back that it was custom-made and shipped across the country) that my TV sits on.
Did I ever post about Oli coming thru the crowd at Tourdust Charlotte in July? The way he runs up over to these people on the other end of my section is so sweet to me